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Calling all lumberjacks

The stock saw competition is one of 16 events held at Old Mill Days this year. Among the returning competitions a new competition, tree topping and speed climbing, have been added.

— image credit: File Photo

Most people celebrate their birthdays by going out to dinner with their significant others or maybe attending a small gathering in their honor. Johnathan Miller is not like most people.

Five years ago, he started Port Gamble’s Old Mill Days to celebrate his birthday.

“It was going to be a birthday party if it didn’t work out,” said Miller, whose birthday falls in mid-June.

Now it its fifth year, Old Mill Days‚ a three-day celebration of all things lumberjack, is going strong and will take over Port Gamble Friday through Sunday, Sept. 24-26.

The timing of Old Mill Days was moved to September so it doesn’t compete with Bellingham’s Dening Log Show.

The event, which has lumberjack and carving competitions, live entertaintment and a classic car show, has expanded beyond Miller’s expectations.

The lumberjack competitions, in particular, draw great competitors, which in turn draws a crowd.

“Because we pay large cash prizes, we get the best competitors in the Northwest,” Miller said.

In addition, Steve Backus, famous for being profiled as Pemco Insurance Co.’s Woodside Road Carver, will also be in attendance.

The festival opens Friday evening with local musicians Aaron Ventura, The Mikey Moore Band and Kaylah Durbin playing on the main stage. Admission is free Friday night and there will be Rockstar energy Drink giveaways to the first 200 people ages 16 and up.

Saturday and Sunday will see the crowd-pleasing lumberjack and chainsaw carving competions.

General admission is $5 for adults and free for children 8 and younger. On Sunday, seniors (63+) and active duty military with ID receive 20 percent off admission.

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